Breast Implant Revision with Dr. Walter Erhardt in Albany, Georgia

Thousands of women undergo breast augmentation each year to improve their figures and enhance their self-esteem. With the popularity of breast augmentation, it's inevitable that there will be some women who want or require future revision surgery.

Dr. Erhardt specializes in breast surgery and has been performing breast augmentation for over 30 years. If you're dissatisfied with the results of a prior breast augmentation or you've experienced an undesirable complication, Dr. Erhardt has the training and expertise to help.

Common Reasons for Breast Implant Revision

Your revision surgery can occur months or even years after your original surgery. Breast implant revision can be used to address a number of issues that may be affecting your satisfaction including:

Desire to modify breast size or shape

Switch from saline to silicone implants

Implant shifting or visible implant rippling

Complications such as capsular contracture

Implant leakage or implant rupture

Breast implant revision surgery is sometimes more complicated than the initial augmentation, which is why you should always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience performing breast augmentation. The best way to determine if surgery is right for you is to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Erhardt.

Our Patients Say...

"Thanks for a wonderful new look and surgical experience. I greatly appreciate the quality of pre & post operative care I have received along with the comfort and sincerity you all provide."

Breast Implant Revision and Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is the most common complication associated with breast augmentation. Following breast augmentation, a protective lining of scar tissue naturally forms around the implant. This process occurs any time a foreign device is placed into the body. In people with capsular contracture, this scar tissue tightens causing the implant to harden and distort the appearance of the breasts.

If capsular contracture cannot be resolved through non-surgical methods, breast revision surgery, known as a capsulectomy, will be necessary to release scar tissue around the implant. An incision is made, typically in the same location as the initial augmentation, and the fibrous tissue that creates the capsule is scored to free its grasp on the implant. The implant is then removed, along with the surrounding scar tissue.

How Breast Implant Revision Works

Your consultation: During your consultation, it's important to be honest and upfront about your medical history, cosmetic expectations and recovery goals. Your consultation will begin with a physical exam, followed by an in-depth discussion of breast implant revision. You will also have the opportunity to view Dr. Erhardt's gallery of before and after patient photos.

Surgery: Breast implant revision can usually be performed in less than two hours and will require general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with sedation. When at all possible, Dr. Erhardt will remove your implants through their original incisions. Once the appropriate incisions have been made, he will remove the surrounding scar tissue, followed by your implants. At this point, he can either replace your implants, or close up the incisions, depending on your preferences. A breast lift may be recommended if you decide not to replace your implants.

Healing time: One of Dr. Erhardt's primary goals is to help you achieve a safe and comfortable recovery. Your recovery should be very similar to what you experienced during your original augmentation. You will notice some tenderness, swelling and bruising for the first several days. Prescription pain medication will be available to help you manage discomfort. In most cases, you should be able to resume work and other normal activities within a week. More strenuous activities should be avoided for about a month.

Expected Results: Several weeks will pass before the final results of your procedure are visible. Your breasts will need to time to heal and settle into their final shape. It is important to keep in mind that some permanent scarring is inevitable. Your scars may be somewhat larger (especially if you're switching to silicone implants). Dr. Erhardt will provide you with additional information on how to minimize the appearance of scarring.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Erhardt

If you're ready to learn more about breast implant revision, call 229-432-9325 to inquire about a consultation with Dr. Erhardt. Our plastic surgery practice is located at 506 Fourth Avenue, Albany, GA 31701.